blot out

USAGE SUMMARY

"blot out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of erasing or omitting something, or to figuratively describe a situation in which something is eliminated or removed. For example, you could say, "We must blot out the toxic memories of our past before we can move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

War doesn't blot out egotism.

The New York Times

He drank to blot out his nightmares.

The Economist

Clearly, Ballard tried to blot out many of his experiences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But these disappointments didn't blot out the overall experience.

The New York Times

In many nations people drink to blot out their memories.

The New York Times - Books

Named after a popular laundry detergent, the axion would blot out the stain.

The New York Times

I was not an alcoholic or drug addict who needed to blot out memories.

The Guardian

But Venus is too small to blot out the whole Sun.

The New York Times - Science

We can then drink to blot out the pain of being depressed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who can blot out what's around them will perform the best.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

No, we're not talking 7-foot-1 big but blot-out-all-the-news big.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blot out" when you want to convey a sense of complete obscuration, obliteration, or forgetting, whether physical or metaphorical. For example, "The fog blotted out the city skyline" or "He tried to blot out the memory of that day."

Common error

Avoid using "blot out" in situations where a simpler verb like "hide" or "cover" would suffice. "Blot out" carries a stronger sense of complete removal or obscuration, and overusing it in everyday contexts can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "blot out" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object to complete its meaning. Ludwig AI examples confirm its use in describing the act of obscuring or obliterating something, either physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "blot out" functions as a transitive verb that describes the act of obscuring or obliterating something completely. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage across various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, commonly appearing in news and media, indicating a wide range of applicability. While alternatives like "obliterate" or "obscure" exist, "blot out" specifically emphasizes complete removal or concealment. When writing, it's advisable to use it when this sense of total obscuration is intended, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliterate

Suggests complete destruction or removal, leaving no trace.

wipe out

Indicates complete destruction or elimination.

obscure

Means to make unclear, indistinct, or hidden.

erase

Implies complete removal or deletion, often in a digital or figurative sense.

block out

To prevent from being seen or heard; to suppress from one's mind.

efface

To rub out or erase, typically something written or inscribed.

expunge

To strike out or obliterate (something, especially a name or record).

cover up

To conceal a mistake or wrongdoing.

cancel out

To neutralize or negate the effect of something.

nullify

To make legally void or ineffective.

FAQs

How can I use "blot out" in a sentence?

You can use "blot out" to describe something that obscures or obliterates something else, like "The clouds blotted out the sun". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "He tried to "blot out" the painful memories".

What's the difference between "blot out" and "erase"?

"Blot out" often implies a more forceful or complete removal or obscuration, while "erase" typically refers to removing something written or recorded. You can use "blot out" to remove painful memories while erase is usually used to remove pencil written text.

Are there any synonyms for "blot out" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "obliterate", "obscure", or "wipe out" depending on the specific context.

Is "blot out" formal or informal?

"Blot out" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in descriptive or narrative writing where a sense of strong obscuration or removal is desired.